Visión de la ingeniería civil en los Estados Unidos

of newly built forest roads.

The method used involves an analysis of changes revealed by satellite images of wetlands assigned to nature conservation classes 1 and 2 in the Wetlands Inventory. Further analyses are to be performed to cover the whole country, since data are lacking for several counties with significant forest and mire areas, including Norrbotten and Jämtland. For ongoing monitoring, the method needs to be further developed and broadened to include information on cultural assets.

Owing to high levels of timber extraction, interest in building forest roads over wetlands is expected to remain strong, and the Forest Agency plans to step up its efforts to discourage such projects. In Väster- botten the Agency is working with the county admin- istrative board on a successful outreach programme providing information and advice in this area.

wetlands on agricultural land i n t e r i m t a r g e t ₄, ₂₀₁₀

At least 12,000 hectares of wetlands and ponds will be established or restored on agricultural land by 2010.

In 2005, a total of 850 ha of wetlands were created, recreated or restored on agricultural land. Restored wet hay meadows and pastures accounted for 320 ha. EU agri-environment payments (through the Rural Development Programme, RDP) were the main source of funding, covering 610 ha of wetlands. Around 210 ha were financed from other quarters, such as the Swedish Wetlands Fund or, in northern Sweden, the EU structural funds.

A good deal of emphasis is placed in the national strategy on the re-creation of wetlands, since such projects are also of significance in achieving other environmental objectives and fulfilling Sweden’s undertakings on biodiversity and water resource management. At the present rate of progress, how- ever, only 8,400 ha will have been recreated by 2010.

To step up the pace, planning at the landscape level is needed, along with more information and support to landowners. The ‘wetland chain’ approach (see fig. 11.3) is also intended to enhance the quality of the wetlands recreated, in terms of nutrient removal, biodiversity and protection of cultural heritage.

To achieve these aims, increased RDP resources and supplementary state funding will be required. Local authorities are key players when it comes to planning how land and water are to be used, and it is important to maintain the wide support for wetlands which many authorities have built up through local nature conservation projects and local investment programmes (LIPs). t h r i v i n g w e t l a n d s 4,000 1,000 2,000 5,000 3,000

Most of the wetlands in southern Sweden, 87% of the area, have been funded under the RDP. In the north, 259 ha of wet hay meadows and pastures have been restored with support from EU structural funds. Between 2000 and 2004, some 370 ha of wetlands were created under local investment programmes (LIPs).

fig.11.2 Areas of wetlands established and restored,

2000–2005

sources: swedish board of agriculture, county administrative boards, swedish wetlands fund and wwf

ha 2003 2004 2002 2001 2000 2005 established restored

action programmes for threatened species i n t e r i m t a r g e t ₅, ₂₀₀₅

By 2005 action programmes will have been prepared and introduced for threatened species that are in need of targeted measures.

Around a dozen action programmes linked to wet- lands are now in place or are due to be introduced shortly. Since many wetland species have declined as a result of changes in their habitats, restoration and continuous management of those habitats are necessary. The 2005 Swedish Red List includes 209 threatened species associated with wetlands.

The action programmes for rich fens and the white-backed woodpecker (Dendrocopos leucotos) include wide-ranging measures to enhance wetland habitats. If the measures envisaged under different action programmes are reflected in landscape ecologi- cal planning for the restoration and establishment of wetlands, major synergies can be achieved.

58

Just over 5% of district heating in Sweden is based on peat. Harvesting of fuel peat has declined in the last decade, in parallel with a steep rise in imports. In 2005, 28% of the peat used for fuel was imported, primarily from the Baltic states. Horticultural peat, however, has grown in importance, and now accounts for over a third of the total quantity extracted in Sweden.

The report of a government inquiry on peat discusses how peat workings should be rehabilitated to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and limit the damage to the natural and cultural environment.

Future use of fuel peat, in particular, will depend on Sweden’s environment and energy policies. Peat burned at power stations and district heating plants is classed as a fossil fuel, and since 2005 carbon dioxide emission allowances have had to be held for this use. At the same time, since 2004 peat used to generate electricity has, like renewable energy sources, qualified for renewables certificates. So far, peat has been exempt from the car- bon dioxide tax.

Overall, the use of fuel peat is likely to decrease. Demand for peat for horticultural purposes and to some extent as litter for livestock, on the other hand, is growing.

fig.11.3 The ‘wetland chain’ approach

source: national strategy for thriving wetlands (swedish epa, forest agency, board of agriculture and national heritage board)

national strategy regional objective outreach planning data monitoring coordination flexible payments sustainable wetlands national objective

All the links shown need to be developed and put in place to achieve the target area and ensure that the quality of the wetlands established and restored is high.

The value of forests and forest land for biological